Quantum information theory (4 hrs./week)

Conventional computer science is based on the principles of classical physics. However, the fundamental description of microscopic objects rests on the laws of quantum mechanics. In cases where the information carriers (bits) that are used for information processing are such that they need to be described with quantum theory, the theory of information needs to be revised accordingly. This is the subject of quantum information theory, an emerging new sub-field of theoretical physics which is increasingly important thanks to the considerable progress in realizing quantum information systems. This course offers an introduction into the foundations of quantum information theory and a discussion of some of the most important applications that outperform their classical counterparts. Examples that will be discussed are quantum cryptography and the quantum algorithm for factoring. Basic concepts such as quantum entanglement and quantum error correction will be discussed in a general and quantitative manner.
(Prerequisite: First course in Quantum Mechanics)